Removed drivers and rebooted as suggested XP re-installed them but the problem still exists.

I am using a TRUST X4 network kit comprising of a PCI server card with a built in 4 port hub this is fitted at PCI Slot 2 on this m/c which is running XP Pro , I assume that this makes it the DHCP-Server.

The rest of the kit comprises 3 network cards + cables one of these cards is installed in my other PC running ME, there are no startup problems on this PC.

I have not cabled the two PCs together, nor have I set up the networking software on the PCs.

I have checked on the manufacturers site and according to them the XP included driver is ok > "Realtek RTL8029(AS)-Based Ethrtnet Adapter (Generic)"

Oh, well that's it. Your machine is busy allocating resourses. You can try putting in one of your other NIC's just for comparison purposes, but i don't think your going to cure the long boot with all those ports initializing. Is there any way, via jumpers on the board, to disable the ports you don't have a need for?

Lonman, I initially tried the same setup using Windows XPs built in internal networking setup but experienced very slow internet connections speeds on the second comuter.

Infact, on the second computer, I could not even access some webpages, such as real.com and others. Weird. So then I tried the new Sygate Home Networking for XP (used it when I had Windows ME) and WOW, what a difference. The internet connections on both computers were lightening fast, a big difference. I don't know why their setup is faster then Windows XPs. I have seen numerous postings on forums here and other places stating the same problem with Windows XPs networking slow down, maybe a bug.

I can only suggest reading M'softs articles on home-networking and ICS. There's a lot of tips and settings that need to be done that aren't "default" for these setups. If you're happy with the end result of what you have then i'd leave well enough alone. A little extra boot time is really nothing compared to speed and/or ease of use.

The way I understand it the only difference between a internal and a external hub is that the internal takes its power from the PC.

The only resorces that need to be allocated for the NIC/Hub combo are for the server card in this case a 10Mb NIC.

This NIC is internally connected to the hub all the hub does is mirror the data on all the ports to be accessed by whichever peripheral requested it and doesn't require either drivers or resources.

If that isn't case I would appreciate a brief explaination as to how it works.

Will try as was previously suggested taking out the NIC/Hub combo and put a 100Mb NIC in its place, need to get a X-over cable tomorrow.

By the way I have the network set up and running fine, apart from the above.

Thanks again for your help. ... Elux

Rodneyck,

I found that if I map the network and select reconnect at logon the server hangs at the WELCOME screen for about 2mins so I have removed mapping it's easy enough to access through Network on the Desktop.

There's a post in here about XP running a service looking for scheduled tasks on the network... it's addressing the same issue about slow boot up. The post i'm referring to was by Stiertje. I'm sure your right about the internal hub.

I have the same exact problem. I found that my Ethernet card adds extra minute to boot up time with XP (bringing total boot up time to something like a minute and a half)... but once I disable it, I'm ready to go in about 30 seconds. Reinstalling and installing drivers for it does not do anything... the posts here kinda ended up discussing home networking, but it doesn't help me since I simply have one computer connected to DSL. So if anybody know some kinda work around with this NIC slowing the boot up process please post it. Thanx.